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For Sale: I Mandorli - "Vigna alla Sughera" Sangiovese 2011
I am offering a bottle of the 2011 "Vigna alla Sughera" from I Mandorli. This is a rare, single-vineyard Sangiovese produced in the rugged hills of Suvereto, Tuscany. Unlike the coastal Cabernet blends typical of the area, this wine focuses on the purity of Sangiovese grown on stony, mineral-rich soils surrounded by cork oak forests (Sughere). Practicing strict biodynamics, I Mandorli produces some of the most soulful and transparent expressions of Sangiovese in the Maremma region.
Vintage and Maturity: Solar Power and Coastal Freshness
The 2011 Vintage: A warm, solar year in Tuscany that resulted in wines with great depth and concentration. While 2011 was hot, the high-altitude position of Vigna alla Sughera (around 300m) allowed the grapes to retain the vital acidity needed to balance the ripe, dark-cherry fruit profile of the vintage.
Critical Standing: I Mandorli is a darling of the "natural wine" movement and artisanal collectors.
Gambero Rosso: Has consistently awarded the estate for its authentic, non-industrial approach to Tuscan winemaking.
Slow Wine: Recognizes the estate for its commitment to biodiversity and its ability to produce Sangiovese with distinct Mediterranean identity.
Maturity Status: Now 15 years old, this 2011 Sangiovese is in an ideal window. The fierce tannins of its youth have integrated, replaced by a sophisticated tertiary palette. You can expect aromas of dried cherries, balsamic herbs, tobacco, and a characteristic salty minerality. It is a savory, medium-to-full-bodied wine that reflects the wild landscape of Suvereto.
Market Price and Value
Because I Mandorli is a small-scale producer with limited international distribution, older vintages like the 2011 are quite difficult to track down on the open market.
In the Swiss secondary market, the Vigna alla Sughera 2011 typically trades between CHF 55 and CHF 75. It represents an excellent opportunity for lovers of "pure" Sangiovese to experience a mature bottle that prioritizes terroir over oak influence.
Handling: This wine is unfined and unfiltered. It is essential to let the bottle stand upright for at least 24 hours before serving. Decant for 30 minutes to allow the aromatics to open up. Serve at 16–18°C.
